# Crop Progress: A Tale of Two Extremes

Author: Jim Steadman
Published: 2022-08-22
Canonical URL: https://www.cottongrower.com/cotton-production/crop-progress-a-tale-of-two-extremes/

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The [USDA Crop Progress report for the week ending Aug. 21](https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/8336h188j/vt151s09q/bz60f344t/prog3522.pdf) points out the two extremes in the condition of this year’s U.S. cotton production. The overall condition report for the week shows 31% of the crop rated good/excellent, 29% fair, and 40% poor/very poor. But a closer look at the state-by-state numbers show the extreme.

Good/excellent ratings across the Southeastern states range from 86% in Virginia to 60% in North Carolina. Likewise, the higher ratings across Mid-South all fall in the 50 to 60 percentile range. Conversely, poor/very poor ratings across the Southwest states reflect the crop losses already suffered – 62% for Oklahoma, 59% for Texas, and 43% for Kansas.

The report also showed that boll set is now reported in 88% of the crop – up 8 percentage points in the past week and 3 points ahead of the 5-year average. Open bolls are reported in 19% of the crop – up 4 points in the past week and slightly ahead of average.